No More Appeals, Barcelona Cannot Participate In The Transfer Market In 2015

The Court of Arbitration for Sports have rejected an appeal made by FC Barcelona while upholding the 14 months transfer ban that FIFA had put on them. This means FC Barcelona will not be able to participate in any transfer activity in the whole of 2015.

FIFA had initially handed the Catalan giants a 14 months ban back in April. FC Barcelona appealed against the ban. Unfortunately for the club the appeal was rejected by FIFA in August. Barcelona subsequently moved to the Court of Arbitration for Sports. This allowed them to put a hold on the ban and they could participate in transfer activities during summer. Finally with the rejection of the appeal just before the January transfer window the club have no options left other than going through with their punishment.

Barcelona are guilty of repeatedly signing under 18 international players. FIFA rules categorically state that such a transfer is illegal. The identities of the players in question have been kept under wraps. Aware that such a ban was imminent Barcelona had made a whole host of changes in the summer. The total spending bill was well over AU $ 200 M (£ 100 M). Notable arrivals were Luis Suarez, Thomas Vermaelen, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Notable players to have left the club were Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez.

Will such heavy spending be good enough to cover the lack of transfer activity for a year? FC Barcelona are blessed with a brilliant forward line. This side of the lineup should not be affected as such. The worry starts from the midfield where the aging stalwarts will be a year older. The main reason of concern is their defense especially a right back who will not let go of his defensive duties should he decides to go on the overlap.